BoTM Bike of The Month September 2025 - now taking entries

[raidan73]

After the August special we revert back to a standard month for September.

There's a 20 bike entry limit on this month, so don't hang around.

Useful for the poll if you can structure your nomination as follows:

username's Year Manufacturer Model , e.g. @al's 1995 weird bouncy thing
Image(s) MAXIMUM OF 2
Finally please include a link to your machine in the relevant Reader's Bikes section. If you don't have an existing post now is the time to add one with as much detail as you like!
Link to all the rules http://www.retrobike.co.uk/wiki/BoTM_Rules

Nominations thread will run from now until the end of September. Entries submitted after September 30th will not be counted. The poll will go up shortly after the nominations close and will run for a week.

 

[Thias]

Whelp. Retry.

I'd like to enter my Wheeler, which is a "reimagination" of my very first mountainbike that I bought with my own hard earned money (mainly sucking up to grandma but also doing odd jobs like cutting grass...) at the age of 15 or so.
It came equipped with a 200GS originally. And I built it with the parts I lusted after back then but couldn't afford. I also put in quite the effort to make/adapt a custom oil cartridge dampener with steel springs for the Manitou forks. Because that was the kind of thing I was dreaming about back then.

You can find the build thread here: Klick!

Thias's 1991 (?) Wheeler 414

Current state:


How I got it:

 

[Rambo Mambo]

It’s not everyday that I have the pleasurable opportunity to present, after 9 or so months, Caroline Alexander’s actual Klein Pulse factory race bike which she raced in 93/ 94.

It has some of her own parts as well as parts sourced globally at considerable expense due to her high end sponsors - Grafton Performance and Ringlé in addition to Onza and Shimano.

The thread and build is long, interesting and comprehensive and there has been a great deal of input from members which has been really nice. It’s been a great nostalgia trip.

I’ve tried to keep it as close to original spec. as possible and I have been guided by her international circuit mechanic at the time, Reg Brench. Reg is still in the racing circuit and he believed that is still a member here when we discussed it.

Thread 'She’s pretty much done (for now) - Caroline Alexander’s Klein Pulse - Racing History, no less.'
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/she’s-pretty-much-done-for-now-caroline-alexander’s-klein-pulse-racing-history-no-less.488490/

I also got some recognition from John Grafton which was nice. If it’s good enough for him I should hope it is good enough.

Many thanks for tuning in and I hope you enjoy it!

Cheers

 

[A_Guy_Called_Graham]

@A_Guy_Called_Graham

August 1995 Litespeed Obed

I bought this frame on a whim earlier on in summer having rode a set of Litespeed bars on my Clockwork since the mid 90’s. I’ve always had that morbid curiosity about the brand yet never had to opportunity to acquire one and experience them for myself.

This was also my first scratch built MTB in decades, all my others have been rolling restos or frame swaps.

I know it’s no where near the quality of beutiful builds on here but hopefully some at least will enjoy seeing and reading its story.

Included picture as is now, how was when acquired and link to thread.

Https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/1995-litespeed-obed.496397/

 

[dinozoiks]

@dinozoiks 1997 Orange P7

The "Redemption Build" - rebuilding by dream bike that got nicked outside Kentish Town Kebab in 1998. Never forgave myself. Wasn't even a great kebab. Now I'm at peace. Thanks to everyone who made this one possible. Hope you like it...


Full build and backstory here: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/redemption-build-orange-p7.497287/

 

[Jussa]

So here is my 1997 Orange X1. This was Oranges first venture into the 'Full Suss' market, and sadly the URT (Unified Rear Triangle) design didn't win many followers and as a result it has been referred to as a bit of a 'Marmite' bike, you either love it or hate it.
Mine has been ridden in a couple of Mountain Mayhem 24hr events, and more recently at the 2024 Malvern's Classic Retro XC Race. These are recent photos out on my local trails, it still turns heads, still brings plenty of smiles when I'm riding it and will always be a special bike to me.

Thread 'Orange X1 & MM2013 **Up-date**'

Feb 16, 2013

Ok, so how far would you go to collect you’re most sought after or dream bike? Well for me it was a 500 mile round trip. Wednesday 13th February, the sun was out, clear blue sky over Norfolkshire and car full of fuel ready for the trip to the Wigan to pick up my new addition.

Departure time 09:00 - The first 100 miles were fine, I even had the window down at one point as warmth from the sun radiated through the car making it very toasty. A brief stop in Higham Ferrers to pop in and see my brother’s wife to drop some stuff off resulted in a couple of freebie hot sausage rolls from the...

• Jussa
• Replies: 33
• Forum: Reader's MTBs --> 1997